Choose the Right Synonym for telling

valid, sound, cogent, convincing, telling mean having such force as to compel serious attention and usually acceptance. valid implies being supported by objective truth or generally accepted authority.
a valid reason for being absent
a valid marriage sound implies a basis of flawless reasoning or of solid grounds.
a sound proposal for reviving the economy cogent may stress either weight of sound argument and evidence or lucidity of presentation.
the prosecutor's cogent summation won over the jury convincing suggests a power to overcome doubt, opposition, or reluctance to accept.
a convincing argument for welfare reform telling stresses an immediate and crucial effect striking at the heart of a matter.
a telling example of bureaucratic waste

Examples of telling in a Sentence

Her experience is a telling example of why the nation's educational system needs to be changed.
The most telling moment in the case was when the victim took the stand.

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'telling.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.